Neuromuscular Control

Question 1

Frontal lobe

Answer 1

Concerned with ‘doing stuff’ (i.e. behaviour and movement).

Question 2

Prefrontal cortex

Answer 2

Abstract - planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior The basic activity of this brain region is considered to be orchestration of thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals

Question 3

M1

Answer 3

Primary motor cortex - control the execution of movement. Activates spicefic body parts usually via the brainstem and spinal cord pattern generators.

Question 4

Somatosensory cortex

Answer 4

Creates a description of the body’s arrangement in space.

Question 5

Parietal cortex

Answer 5

Creates movement targets which are implemented by plans/sequences created in supplementary motor areas.

Question 6

Corticospinal tract

Answer 6

Directly controls fine dexterity

Question 7

Basal nuclei

Answer 7

Consists of striatum and pallidum. Activates and suppresses motor and premotor cortex activity via thalamus. Monitors movements and ‘styles’ them according to previous experience.
Grace, efficiency, fluidity - minimum stress
Muscle memory is really ‘motor memory’ - basal ganglia learning and optimising patterns.

Question 8

Cerebellum

Answer 8

Adjusts voluntary movements to match what was specified, and to allow for rotation and orientation. Adjustments are made mostly by sending signals to motor cortex, can also trigger spinal patterns adjusting posture and balance.

Question 9

Lower motor neurons

Answer 9

‘alpha’ motor neuron - connected to muscle

Question 10

Upper motor neurons

Answer 10

Motor control systems which give input to the alpha are upper motor neurons.

Question 11

Motor unit

Answer 11

A motor unit is a single alpha motor neuron and the muscle fibres it innervates.